AFTER nearly 44 years of partnership, Philippine TV's longest-running noontime show "Eat Bulaga" officially announced on Wednesday that they have parted ways with TV production company Television and Production Exponent (Tape) Inc.
Mainstay hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon – also known as "TVJ" trio – the management did not allow them to have a live show on Wednesday, hence, the taped episode on GMA Network.
Through the program's YouTube channel, Tito Sotto began in Filipino, "We arrived here today for our usual work but we were forbidden to air live by the new management."
The trio went on to express gratitude to their advertisers, loyal followers they call "Dabarkads," and the broadcast networks that aired their program for the last 44 years.
"If you all remember, July 30, 1979 when we started Eat Bulaga. Forty-four years this year. That's why we are very thankful to those who have been our home – RPN9 for nine years, ABS-CBN for six years, and GMA for 28 years. Thank you very much," De Leon noted.
They said what happened was the hardest decision they made since the program's launch.
"Our thanks to Mr. Tony Tuviera for the friendship and being part of our family. and above all, to Lord God who never leaves us," Tito Sotto shared.
The younger Sotto added, "We will no longer say all the things we have in our hearts but we just want to work peacefully, without aggravation and with respect to everyone."
We are honored to be able to deliver happiness from Batanes to Jolo and become a part of your life. Thank you all so much. Until then. Wherever destiny takes us, tuloy ang isang libo't isang tuwa. We love you," he added.
The spiels ended in a group hug with the rest of the program hosts.
They did not give further statements with regards to the future of the other hosts, staff and crew, and ultimately, the program itself.
